Psalms 91:5

Authorized King James Version

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Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

Original Language Analysis

לֹא H3808
לֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 1 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִ֭ירָא Thou shalt not be afraid H3372
תִ֭ירָא Thou shalt not be afraid
Strong's: H3372
Word #: 2 of 7
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
מִפַּ֣חַד for the terror H6343
מִפַּ֣חַד for the terror
Strong's: H6343
Word #: 3 of 7
a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)
לָ֑יְלָה by night H3915
לָ֑יְלָה by night
Strong's: H3915
Word #: 4 of 7
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
מֵ֝חֵ֗ץ nor for the arrow H2671
מֵ֝חֵ֗ץ nor for the arrow
Strong's: H2671
Word #: 5 of 7
properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear
יָע֥וּף that flieth H5774
יָע֥וּף that flieth
Strong's: H5774
Word #: 6 of 7
to fly; also (by implication of dimness) to faint (from the darkness of swooning)
יוֹמָֽם׃ by day H3119
יוֹמָֽם׃ by day
Strong's: H3119
Word #: 7 of 7
daily

Cross References

Isaiah 43:2When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.Hebrews 13:6So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.Psalms 112:7He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.Proverbs 28:1The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.Psalms 46:2Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;Matthew 8:26And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.2 Kings 7:6For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.Isaiah 21:4My heart panted, fearfulness affrighted me: the night of my pleasure hath he turned into fear unto me.Luke 12:39And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.Luke 12:20But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

Analysis & Commentary

Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night (פַּחַד לָיְלָה, pachad lailah)—the sudden, paralyzing dread that strikes in darkness, when enemies attack unexpectedly and fears magnify. This encompasses both literal dangers (night raids, prowling beasts) and spiritual terrors (demonic oppression, anxiety, nightmares).

Nor for the arrow that flieth by day (חֵץ יָעוּף יוֹמָם, chets ya'uf yomam)—the overt, visible threats that come in daylight. The arrow represents deliberate attack, whether military assault, slander, or spiritual warfare. Together, these phrases form a merism: God protects from all dangers, hidden and manifest, at all times. The believer under God's shadow (v.1) walks in supernatural fearlessness—not presumption, but confidence rooted in covenant relationship.

Historical Context

Psalm 91 is a wisdom psalm, likely composed during Israel's monarchy for use in temple worship. The imagery reflects ancient Near Eastern warfare—night ambushes and daytime archery were primary combat methods. Jewish tradition associates this psalm with Moses or the Levites, and it was recited for protection during plague and battle.

Questions for Reflection